The Scottish and UK Information Commissioners have joined forces to co-host an international conference exploring the future of transparency and access to information in the UK and worldwide.

The International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) 2017 will look at Trust, Transparency and Progressive Information Rights. For the first time it is co-hosted by Elizabeth Denham, UK Information Commissioner, and Margaret Keyse, Acting Scottish Information Commissioner.

Being held in Manchester on 20 September, the conference will bring together more than 50 experts from 30 countries to look at innovation in information access, the future of transparency, Freedom of Information and the media, and open data.

Ms Denham said:

“The digital world creates both opportunities and challenges for transparency and freedom of information. I look forward to meeting with delegates – practitioners, journalists and academics - to discuss some of the key issues facing access to information in our changing world.”

Ms Keyse said:

“ICIC 2017 will give anyone with an interest in Freedom of Information the opportunity to share their experience with colleagues from across the UK and beyond. In more than 12 years of the FOI Act this is the first time that our two Commissioners have jointly hosted a conference, it will undoubtedly be a unique event.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office upholds information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

The ICO has specific responsibilities set out in the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides individuals or organisations with the right to request official information held by a public authority. The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) provide access to environmental information.

To report a concern to the ICO telephone our helpline 0303 123 1113 or go to ico.org.uk/concerns.